A Special Word from Pastor Rich Gelson

Dear Neighbor,

In the ongoing wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous national and global stresses, and the profoundly sad death by suicide of a congregation member in the summer of 2023, our faithful and grief-struck church leadership set out to find resources for mental health support, education, and advocacy.

In addition to resources available through the PCUSA (available here), we were blessed to be supported by and to fully partner with our local chapter of NAMI.

Pilgrim is committed to hosting faithful conversations about reducing mental health stigma, pointing the way to comprehensive mental health supports, and honoring the true meaning of shalom (see video on this page).

I have lifelong personal experience and 25 years of pastoral experience attending to mental health issues. Through prayer and many good supports, I’ve come to have a profound trust in the Spirit-led healing power of sharing challenging experiences in safe spaces for the sake of building up hope, strength, courage and serenity for all of God’s unique children of every age.

Please check back on this page for further events (below) and resources as our partnership with NAMI faithfully unfolds.

Blessings on your wellness journey,

Pastor Rich

Read 12 Helpful Things Individuals Living with Mental Illness Want Us to Know